The Cartographers’ Guild is a forum created by and for map makers and aficionados, a place where every aspect of cartography can be admired, examined, learned, and discussed. Our membership consists of professional designers and artists, hobbyists, and amateurs—all are welcome to join and participate in the quest for cartographic skill and knowledge.

Although we specialize in maps of fictional realms, as commonly used in both novels and games (both tabletop and role-playing), many Guild members are also proficient in historical and contemporary maps. Likewise, we specialize in computer-assisted cartography (such as with GIMP, Adobe apps, Campaign Cartographer, Dundjinni, etc.), although many members here also have interest in maps drafted by hand.

If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ. You will have to register before you can post or view full size images in the forums.

Ascadia - A Fantasy World

This is a map I finished earlier this summer, with a WIP here. The author of the book has given me permission to post it here, so long as an notice of copyright and place name ownership is provided. He also agreed to the CG reference in the map.

This was created in B&W using my standard Gimp->Inkscape circular workflow. The forests were created with the help of my random density map script and custom Gimp brushes. Everything was from scratch for this one. Final colourizing was done using Gimp and (thank goodness for) my trusty Wacom tablet.

The following work is Copyright Protected by Rob Antonishen. This image may not be downloaded, copied, linked to, or edited in any manner or form for use on any website, image gallery, clipart collection, printed product, or other derivative uses without express written permission from the artist, except as specifically permitted under the posting terms and conditions of the Cartographers' Guild website. All place-names on this map are wholly the property of Soren Kristensen, and may not be used for any purposes except for referencing place-names for promotional or review purposes, without express written permission.

Yeah, that's purdy. I really like the varied tree styles and the way you made the border go behind the mountains (nice touch). I also dig the "coastline squiggles" (that's a technical term, I believe). The terrain in Brennador is super-cool. I want to set adventures there, or play in one.

I shall attempt to rep you for this evocative map! And I'll probably, some day, steal your really cool rift valley concept.
M

I'm the author of the novel, and the creator of Ascadia, and I once again want to express how fantastic Rob has been to work with in making my world come to life. I'm genuinely astounded by how well it turned out, and by the patience he's shown in the process with him and I going back and forth in making the map.

It's better than I could ever have envisioned, and just hope that my novels and world can live up to their end of the partnership.